The Société Haïtienne de Pédiatrie is organizing the 27th Journées de Pédiatrie on June 4 and 5, 2026, in Port-au-Prince, around the theme: “The Child at the Heart of the Haitian Health System”.
This edition also marks the 50th anniversary of the Société Haïtienne de Pédiatrie, founded on May 6, 1976. For five decades, this scientific organization has contributed to the continuing education of healthcare professionals, the development of research, advocacy and national discussions on children’s health in Haiti.
During these two days, pediatricians, medical specialists, nurses, psychologists, residents, medical students, health institution managers and health sector partners exchange views on the realities affecting Haitian children. Discussions cover pediatric care, prevention, vaccination, nutrition, mental health, specialized medical training and the social conditions that influence family health.
This meeting comes at a time when child health remains a national priority. According to World Health Organization data, Haiti continues to record one of the highest under-five mortality rates in the region, with around 57 deaths per 1,000 live births. This figure serves as a reminder of the importance of strengthening maternal and child health services, access to consultations, vaccination, nutritional monitoring, early disease management and continuity of care.
Professionals from Zanmi Lasante are participating in the congress proceedings through several contributions related to their areas of practice.
Zanmi Lasante’s Mental Health Department discusses work-life balance among healthcare professionals. This discussion touches on an important reality for medical teams, particularly in a context marked by insecurity, emotional pressure, work constraints and regular exposure to difficult situations.
The presentation focuses on the effects of chronic stress, signs of burnout, time management and practices that can help caregivers preserve their mental health. These elements have a direct effect on the quality of work, the relationship with patients and the ability of teams to remain present with families.
Another contribution focuses on the Haitian child as a marker of public health. This reflection situates children’s health as an important indicator of the general state of the health system. A child’s state of health reflects the availability of services, the quality of follow-up, vaccination, nutrition, family living conditions and the system’s ability to intervene early.
Reducing infant mortality, improving nutritional follow-up, strengthening vaccination and access to paediatric care remain priorities for the country. These priorities require services that are able to receive children on time, follow families over time and quickly identify high-risk situations.
The Journées de Pédiatrie also places a strong emphasis on specialized medical training. A graduating pediatric resident from the Hôpital Universitaire de Mirebalais shares her clinical experience and the results of her work with the scientific community. Her participation is a reminder of the importance of training specialists capable of meeting the country’s pediatric needs, in often complex conditions.
A presentation on social medicine places child health in the context of all the conditions that shape family life: nutrition, education, access to drinking water, housing, food security, family environment and availability of health services.
This approach corresponds to the realities observed in hospitals, health centers and communities. A sick child often arrives with a broader family situation. His or her condition may be linked to delayed consultation, geographical remoteness, food insecurity, lack of information or absence of accessible services close to home.
The exchanges conducted during these Pediatric Days are a reminder that child health requires a coordinated response. Pediatric care must be linked to maternal health, vaccination, nutrition, mental health, community medicine and ongoing team training.
In Zanmi Lasante, these issues are reflected in the work carried out with children and families in hospitals, health centers and communities. Services in pediatrics, maternal health, nutrition, vaccination, mental health and the management of infectious and chronic diseases accompany families at different points in their care journey.
Zanmi Lasante’s participation in the 27th Journées de Pédiatrie provides an opportunity to share the experience of its teams, contribute to scientific discussions and connect the clinical, community and social practices surrounding child health in Haiti.
These days also offer an important space for strengthening dialogue between institutions, professionals and partners around responses to the needs of children and families.
Every child who receives a consultation, vaccination, nutritional follow-up, mental health support or specialized care depends on a care system capable of remaining present with families.
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